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THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 


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OF THE 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

LOCATED IN PRINCETON, NEW-JERSEY. 


ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 181 1 ? 

AND AMENDED BY FUTURE ASSEMBLIES, 



SECOND EDITION. 



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INTRODUCTION, 


Inasmuch as the obtaining of salvation through 

Jesus Christ our Lord, to the glory of the eternal God, 
is the chief object which claims the attention of man ; 
and considering, that in the attainment of this object the 
dispensation of the Gospel is principally instrumental ; 
it is manifestly of the highest importance, that the best 
means be used to insure the faithful preaching of the 
Gospel, and the pure administration of all its ordinances. 
With this view, therefore, institutions for the education 
of youth intended for the holy ministry, have been esta- 
blished in all Christian countries, and have been found, 
by long experience, most eminently conducive to the 
prosperity of the Church. Hence the founders of the 
Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 
did, from its very origin, exert themselves with peculiar 
zeal to establish and endow colleges, academies, and 
schools, for the education of youth for the Gospel minis- 
try. So rapid, however, has been the extension of this 
Church, and so disproportionate, of late, has been the 
number of ministers educated, to the call which has 
been made for ministerial service, that some additional 
and vigorous efforts to increase the supply are loudly and 


affect inglv demanded. Circnraslanccs also do imperi- 
ously dictate, not only that the labourers in the vine- 
yard of the Lord should be multiplied, but that they 
should be more thoroughly furnished than they have 
ordinarily been for the arduous work to which they must 
be called. Influenced by the views and considerations 
now recited, the General Assembly, after mature delibe- 
ration, have resolved, in reliance on the patronage and 
blessing of the Great Head of the Church, to establish a 
new Institution, consecrated solely to the education of 
men for the Gospel ministry, and to be denominated, 
The Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in 
the United States of America . And to the intent that 
the true design of the founders of this institution may 
be known to the public, both now and in time to come, 
and especially that this design may, at all times, be dis- 
tinctly viewed, and sacredly regarded, both by the 
teachers and the pupils of the Seminary, it is judged pro- 
per to make a summary and explicit statement of it. 

It is to form men for the Gospel ministry, who shall 
truly believe, and cordially love, and therefore endea- 
vour to propagate and defend, in its genuineness, simpli- 
city, and fulness, that system of religious belief and prac- 
tice which is set forth in the Confession of Faith, Cate- 
chisms, and Plan of Government and Discipline of the 
Presbyterian Church ; and thus to perpetuate and extend 
the influence of true evangelical piety, and Gospel or- 
der. 

It is to provide for the Church an adequate supply 
and succession of able and faithful ministers of the New 
Testament ; workmen that need not to be ashamed , be- 
ing qualified rightly to divide the n ord of truth. 

It is to unite, in those who shall sustain the ministe- 
rial office, religion and literature ; that piety of the heart 


5 

.Winch is the fruit only of the renewing and sanctifying 
grace of God, with solid learning : believing that reli- 
gion without learning, or learning without religion, in 
the ministers of the Gospel, must ultimately prove inju- 
rious to the Church. 

It is to afford more advantages than have hitherto 
been usually possessed by the ministers of religion in our 
country, to cultivate both piety and literature in their 
preparatory course ; piety, by placing it in circumstan- 
ces favourable to its growth, and by cherishing and re- 
gulating its ardour ; literature, by affording favourable 
opportunities for its attainment, and by making its pos- 
session indispensable. 

It is to provide for the Church, men who shall be able 
to defend her faith against infidels, and her doctrines 
against heretics. 

It is to furnish our congregations with enlightened, 
humble, zealous, laborious pastors, who shall truly watch 
for the good of souls, and consider it as tlieir highest 
honour and happiness to win them to the Saviour, and 
to build up their several charges in holiness and peace. 

It is to promote harmony and unity of sentiment 
among the ministers of our Church, by educating a large 
body of them under the same teachers, and in the same 
course of study. 

It is to lay the foundation of early and lasting friend- 
ships, productive of confidence and mutual assistance in 
after-life among the ministers of religion; which expe- 
rience shows to be conducive not only to personal happi- 
ness, but to the perfecting of inquiries, researches, and 
publications advantageous to religion. 

It is to preserve the unity of our Church, by educa- 
ting her ministers in an enlightened attachment, not only 
to the same doctrines, but to the same plan of govern- 
ment. 




It is to bring to the service of the Church genius and 
talent, when united with piety, however poor or obscure 
may be their possessor, by furnishing, as far as possible, 
the means of education and support, without expense to 
the student. 

It is to found a nursery for missionaries to the heathen, 
and to such as are destitute of the stated preaching of 
the gospel ; in which youth may receive that appropri- 
ate training which may lay a foundation for their ulti- 
mately becoming eminently qualified for missionary 
work. 

It is, finally, to endeavour to raise up a succession of 
men, at once qualified for and thoroughly devoted to the 
work of the Gospel ministry ; who, with various endow- 
ments, suiting them to different stations in the Church of 
Christ, may aU possess a portion of the spirit of the pri- 
mitive propagators of the Gospel; prepared to make 
every sacrifice, to endure every hardship, and to render 
every service which the promotion of pure and undefiled 
religion may require. 


PLAN 


or THE 

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 

SCc. 


ARTICLE I. 

Of the General Assembly. 

Section i. As this institution derives its origin from 
the General Assembly, so that body is to be considered 
at all times as its patron, and the fountain of its powers. 
The Assembly shall, accordingly ultimately sanction alt 
its laws, direct its instructions, and appoint its principal 
officers. 

Sect . 2. The General Assembly shall choose a Board 
of Directors, consisting of twenty-one ministers and nine 
ruling elders, by whom the Seminary shall be inspected 
and cond ucted. Of this number, one third or seven mi- 
nisters and three elders shall be chosen annually ; to con- 
tinue in office three years. And if any vacancy shaft 
occur in the Board, by death, resignation, or incapacity t© 
serve, the Assembly may annually fill up such vacancies. 

Sect. 3. All professors of the Seminary shall be ap- 
pointed by the Assembly. But in cases of necessity, the 
Board of Directors may employ a suitable person to per- 
form the duties of a professor, till a meeting of the As- 
sembly shall take place. 

Sect . 4. The General Assembly shall, at all times, 
have the power of adding to the Constitutional Articles 
of the Seminary, and of abrogating, altering, or amend- 
ing them ; but, in the exercise of this power, the contem- 
plated additions, abrogations, alterations, or amend- 
ments, shall, in every case, be proposed at one Assembly, 
and not adopted till the Assembly of the subsequent 
year, except by a unanimous vote. 


ARTICLE II. 


Of the Board of Directors . 

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet sta- 
tedly, twice in each year; once in the spring, and once 
in the fall, and oftener on their own adjournments, if 
they shall judge it expedient. Eleven members of the 
board shall be a quorum; provided always, that of 
this number six, at least, be ministers of the Gospel, and 
the president, or in case of his absence, the vice presi- 
dent be one. 

Sec, 2, The board shall choose, out of their own 
number, a president, vice president and secretary. In 
the absence of the president and vice president, the 
senior member present shall preside. 

Sect. 3. The president of the board, or in the event of 
his death, absence, or inability to act, the vice president 
shall, at the request of any three members, expressed to 
him in writing, call a special meeting of the board of di- 
rectors by a circular letter addressed to each ; in which 
letter notice shall be given, not only of the place and time 
of meeting, but of the business intended to be transacted 
at the meeting notified ; and this letter shall be sent at 
least twenty days before the time of said meeting. 

Sect. 4. The secretary of the board shall keep accu- 
rate records of all the proceedings of the directors ; and it 
shall be his duty to lay these records, or a faithful trans- 
cript of the same, before the General Assembly, annually, 
for the unrestrained inspection of all the members. 

Sect. 5. Every meeting of the board of directors shall 
be opened and closed with prayer. 


9 


Sect. 6. The board of directors may make rules and 
regulations for the performance of the duties assigned 
them, or for the preservation of order, not inconsistent 
with the prescriptions of this plan, or the orders of the 
General Assembly. 

Sect. 7. At the commencement of each stated spring 
meeting, the whole j.lan of the Seminary shall be dis- 
tinctly read before the board of directors. 

Sect. 8. The board shall direct the professors of the 
Seminary, in regard to the subjects and topics on which 
they are severally to give instructions to the pupils, so 
far as the same shall not be prescribed by this plan, or 
by the orders of the General Assembly. 

Sect . 9. It shall be the duty of the board of directors 
to inaugurate the professors of the Seminary, and to di- 
rect what forms shall be used, and what services perform- 
ed, on such occasions. 

Sect. 10. Every director, previously to his taking his 
seat as a member of the board, shall solemnly subscribe 
the following formula, viz. — “ Approving the plan of the 
Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in the 
United States of America, I solemnly declare and promise, 
in the presence of God and of this board, that I will faith- 
fully endeavour to carry into effect all the articles and 
provisions of said plan, and to promote the great design 
of the Seminary. ,, 

Sect. 11. The board of directors shall inspect the fidel- 
ity of the professors, especially in regard to the doctrines 
actually taught; and if, after due inquiry and exami- 
nation, they shall judge that any professor is either un- 
sound in the faith, opposed to the fundamental principles 
of Presbyterian Church Government, immoral in his 
conduct, unfaithful to his trust, or incompetent to the dis- 
charge of his duties, they shall faithfully report him as 
such to the General Assembly. Or if the longer contin- 
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uanee of a professor be judged highly dangerous, the di- 
rectors many immediately suspend him, and appoint ano* 
tlier in his place, till the whole business can be reported, 
and submitted to the Assembly. 

Sect, 12. It shall be the duty of the board of direct- 
ors to watch over the conduct of the students ; to redress 
grievances ; to examine into the whole course of instruc- 
tion and study in the Seminary; and generally to super- 
intend and endeavour to promote all its interests. 

Sect. 13. The board of directors shall make, in writ- 
ing, a detailed and faithful report of the state of the Sem- 
inary, to every General Assembly; and they may, at the 
same time, recommend such measures for the advantage 
of the Seminary, as to them may appear proper. 

Sect. 14. At every stated meeting of the board of di- 
rectors, unless particular circumstances render it inexpe- 
dient, there shall be at least one sermon delivered in the 
presence of the board, the professors, and students, by a 
director or directors previously appointed for the pur 
pose. 


ARTICLE III. 

Of the Professors „ 

Section 1. The number of the professors in the Semina- 
ry shall be increased or diminished, as the Assembly may, 
from time to time, direct. But when the Seminary shall 
be completely organized, there shall not be less than three 
professors ; one of Didactic and Polemic Divinity; taie of 


ii 


Oriental and Biblical Literature ; and one of Ecclesias- 
tical History and Church Government. 

Sect . 2. No person shall be inducted into the office 
of professor of divinity, but an ordained minister of the 
Gospel. 

Sect . 3. Every person elected to a professorship, in 
this Seminary, shall, on being inaugurated, solemnly sub- 
scribe the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of 
Government of the Presbyterian Church, agreeably to 
the following formula, viz. — “ In the presence of God 
and of the directors of this Seminary, I do solemnly, and 
ex animo adopt, receive, and subscribe the Confession of 
Faith, and Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the 
United States of America, as the confession of my faith ; 
or, as a summary and just exhibition of that system of 
doctrine and religious belief which is contained in holy 
Scripture, and therein revealed by God to man for his 
salvation ; and I do solemnly ex animo profess to receive 
the Form of Government o said Church, as agreeable to 
the inspired oracies. And I do solemnly promise and 
engage, not to inculcate, teach, or insinuate any thing 
which shall appear to me to contradict or contravene, 
cither directly or impliedly, any thing taught in the said 
Confession of Faith or Catechisms ; nor to oppose any of 
the fundamental principles of Presbyterian Church Gov- 
ernment, while I shall continue a professor in this Semi- 
nary 

Sect . 4. The salaries o r the professors shall be re- 
commended by the directors ; but they shall be fixed 
only by a vote of the General Assembly. 

Sect. 5. The professors may accompany their lectures 
and recitations with prayer, as frequently as they may- 
judge proper, in addition to those daily seasons of pray- 
er in which all the students will unite. 


12 


Sect . G. Each professor shall lay before the board of 
directors, as soon as practicable alter his appointment, a 
detailed exhibition of the system and method which he 
proposes to pursue, and the subjects which he proposes 
to discuss, in conducting the studies of the youth that 
shall come under his care : and in this system he shall 
make such alterations or additions as the board shall di- 
rect ; so that, eve ually, the whole course through 
which the pupils shall be carried, shall be no other than 
that which the board of directors shall have approved 
and sanctioned, conformably to Sect. 8. Art. II. And as 
often as zpiy professor shall think that variations and ad- 
ditions of importance maybe advantageously introduced 
into his course of teaching, he shall submit the same to 
the board of directors, for their approbation or rejection. 

Sect. 7. Every professor shall, if practicable, have at 
least one lecture or recitation every day, on which the 
pupils, in his branch of instruction shall be bound to at- 
tend ; and on which the other pupils of the Seminary 
shall attend as often, and in such manner, as may be di- 
rected by the majority of the board of directors. 

Sect. 8. Any professor intending to resign his office, 
shall give six months notice of such intention to the 
board of directors. 

Sect. 9. The professors of the Institution shall be con- 
sidered as a faculty. They shall meet at such seasons as 
they may judge proper. In every meeting the professor 
of didactic and polemic divinity shall preside, if he be 
present. If he be absent, a president shall be chosen pro 
tempore. The faculty shall choose a clerk, and keep ac- 
curate records of ali their proceedings ; which records 
shall be laid before the directors at every meeting of the 
board. The president of the faculty shall call a meeting 
whenever he sha) judge it expedient, and whenever he 
shall be requested to do so by any other member. By 


13 


the faculty, regularly convened, shall be determined the 
hours and seasons at which the classes shall attend the 
professors severally, so as to prevent, interference and 
confusion, and to afford to the pupils the best opportu- 
nities of improvement. The faculty shall attend to, 
and decide on all cases of discipline, and all questions 
of order, as they shall arise. They shall agree on the 
rules of order, decorum, and duty, (not inconsistent with 
any provision in the plan of the Seminary, nor with any 
order of the board of directors,) to which the students 
shall be subjected ; and these they shall reduce to writing, 
and cause to be publicly and frequently read. They 
shall determine the hours at which the whole of the pu- 
pils shah, morning and evening, attend for social wor- 
ship, and the manner in which, and the person or per- 
sons, of their own number, by whom, the exercises of 
devotion shall be conducted. 

Sect. 10. The faculty shall be empowered to dismiss 
from the Seminary any student who shall prove unsound 
in liis religious sentiments ; immoral or disorderly in liis 
conduct ; or who may be, in their opinion, on any ac- 
count whatsoever, a dangerous, or unprofitable member 
of the Institution. 

Sect. 11. Each member of the faculty shall have an 
equal vote. 

Sect. 12. It shall be the duty of the professors, under 
the direction of the board of directors, to supply the pu- 
pils of the institution with the preaching of the Gospel, 
and the administration of the Sacraments of the Chris- 
tain Church ; if this supply shall not, in the judgment of 
the directors, be satisfactorily furnished by a Church or 
Churches in the place where the Institution shall be esta- 
blished. 


ARTICLE IT. 


Of Study and Attainments . 

As the particular course of study pursued in any In- 
stitution will, and perhaps ought to be modified in a con- 
siderable degree, by the views and habits of the teachers ; 
and ought, moreover, to be varied, altered, or extended, 
as experience may suggest improvements ; it is judged 
proper to specify, not so precisely the course of study, 
as the attainments which must be made. Therefore, 

Sect . 1. Every student, at the close of his course, must 
have made the following attainments, viz. He must be 
well skilled in the original languages of the Holy Scrip- 
tures. He must be able to explain the principal difficulties 
which arise in the perusal of the Scriptures, either from 
erroneous translations, apparent inconsistencies, real ob- 
scurities, or objections arising from history, reason, or 
argument. He must be versed in Jewish and Christian 
antiquities, which serve to explain and illustrate Scripture. 
He must have an acquaintance with ancient geography, 
and with oriental customs, which throw light on the 
sacred records. — Thus he will have laid the foundation 
for becoming a sound biblical critic. 

He must have read and digested the principal argu- 
ments and writings relative to what has been called the 
deistical controversy. — Thus will he be qualified to be- 
come a defender of the Christian faith. 

He must be able to support the doctrines of the Con- 
fession of Faith and Catechisms, by a ready, pertinent, 
and abundant quotation of Scripture texts for that 


purpose. He must have studied, carefully and correct- 
ly, Natural, Didactic, Polemic, and Casuistic Theo- 
logy. He must have a considerable acquaintance with 
General History and Chronology, and a particular ac- 
quaintance with the history of the Christian Church.— 
Thus he will be preparing to become an able and sound 
divine and casuist. 

He must have read a considerable number of the best 
practical writers on the subject of religion. He must have 
learned to compose with correctness and readiness in his 
own language, and to deliver what he has composed to 
others in a natural and acceptable manner. He must be 
well acquainted with the several parts, and the proper 
structure of popular lectures and sermons. He must have 
composed at least two lectures and four popular sermons, 
that shall have been approved by the professors. He must 
have carefully studied the duties of the pastoral care. — 
Thus he will be prepared to become a useful preacher, 
and a faithful pastor. 

He must have studied attentively the form of Church 
Government authorized by the Scriptures, and the ad- 
ministration of it as it has taken place in Protestant 
Churches.— Thus he will be qualified to exercise disci- 
pline, and to take part in the government of the Church 
in all its judicatories. 

Sect. 2. The period of continuance in the Theological 
Seminary shall, in no case, be less than three years, pre- 
viously to an examination for a certificate of approbation. 
But students may enter the seminary, and enjoy the course 
©f instruction for a shorter time than three years, provi- 
ded they in all other respects submit to the laws of the 
Seminary, of which facts they may receive a written de- 
claration from the professors. 

Sect. 3. Those pupils who have regularly and dili- 
gently studied for three years, shall be admitted to an 


16 


examination on the subjects specified in this article. The 
examination shall be conducted by the professors, in the 
presence of the board of directors, or a committee o£ 
them ; and if it be passed to the sat isfaction of the direc- 
tors, they who so pass it, shall receive a certificate of the 
same, signed by the professors, with which they shall be 
remitted to their several presbyteries, to be disposed of 
as such presbyteries shall direct. Those who do not pass 
a satisfactory examination shall remain a longer space in 
the Seminary. 

Sect. 4. It shall be the object of the professors to make 
such arrangements in the instruction of their pupils, 
as shall be best adapted to enable them, in the space of 
three years, to be examined with advantage on the sub ■ 
jeets specified in this article. 


ARTICLE V. 


Of Devotion, and Improvement in Practical Piety, 

It ought to be considered as an object of primary im* 
portance by every student in t he Seminary, to be careful 
and vigilant not to lose that inward sense of the power of 
godliness which he may have attained ; but, on the con- 
trary, to grow continually in a spirit of enlightened de- 
votion and fervent piety ; deeply impressed with the re- 
collection that without t his, all his other acquisitions will 
be comparatively of little worth, either to himself, or to 
the Church of which he is to be a minister. 

He must remember, too, that this is a species of im- 
provement which must of necessity be left, in a great 


17 


measure, with himself, as a concern between God and his 
own soul. 

It is proper, however, to delineate the path of duty, 
to express the wishes and expectations of the founders of 
the Seminary, and to make such requirements as the na- 
ture oi the subject will permit. 

Sect . 1. It is expected that every student in the The- 
ological Seminary will spend a portion of time every mor- 
ning and evening in devout meditation, an l seif-recol- 
lection and examination ; in reading the holy Scriptures, 
solely with a view to a personal and practical application 
of the passage read, to his own heart, character, and cir- 
cumstances ; and in humble fervant prayer and praise to 
God in secret. * 

The whole of every Lord’s day is to be devoted to de- 
votional exercises, either of a social or secret kind. In- 
tellectual pursuits, not immediately connected with de- 
votion or the religion of the heart, are on that day to be 
forborne. The books to be read are to be of a practical 
nature. The conversations had with each other are to be 
chiefly on religious subjects. Associations for prayer and 
praise, and for religious conference, calculated to promote 
a growth in grace, are also proper for this day ; subject to 
such regulations as the professors and directors may see 
proper to prescribe. It is wished and recommended, that 
each student should ordinarily set apart one day in a 
month for special prayer and self-examination in secret, 
and also that he should, on suitable occasions, attend to 
the duty of fasting. 

Sect. 2. If any student shall exhibit, in his general de- 
portment, a levity or indiiTerence in regard to practical 
religion, though it do not amount to any overt act of ir* 
religion or immorality, it shall be the duty of the pro- 
fessor who may observe it, to admonish him tenderly and 

f, 


18 


faithfully in private, and endeavour to engage him to a 
more holy temper, and a more exemplary deportment. 

Sect. 3. If a student, after due admonition, persist in 
a system of conduct not exemplary in regard to religion, 
he shall be dismissed from the Seminary. 

Sect. 4. The professors are particularly charged, by 
all the proper means in their power, to encourage, cherish 
and promote devotion and personal piety among their pu- 
pils, by warning and guarding them, on the one hand, 
against formality and indifference, and on the other, 
against ostentation and enthusiasm ; by inculcating prac- 
tical religion in their lectures and recitations ; by taking 
suitable occasions to converse with their pupils private- 
ly on this interesting subject ; and by all other means in- 
capable of being minutely specified, by which they may 
foster true experimental religion, and unreserved deve* 
tedness to God. 



ARTICLE VI. 

Of the Students . 

Section 1. Every student, applying for admission to 
the Theological Seminary, shall produce satisfactory tes- 
timonials that he possesses good natural talents, and is 
of a prudent and discreet deportment ; that he is in full 
communion with some regular Church : that he has pass- 
ed through a regular course of academical study ; or, 
wanting this, he shall submit himself to an examination 
in regard to the branches of literature taught in 6uch a 
course. 


19 


Sect. 9. The first six months of every student in the 
Seminary shall be considered as probationary ; and if, at 
the end of this period, any student shall appear to the 
professors not qualified to proceed in his studies, they 
shall so report him to the board of directors, who, if they 
arc of the same opinion with the professors, shall dismiss 
him from the Seminary. 

Sect. 3. The hours of study and of recreation for the 
students shall be fixed by the professors, with the con- 
currence of the directors ; and every student shall pay 
a strict regard to the rules established relative to this 
subject. 

Sect. 4. Every student shall be obliged to write on 
such theological and other subjects, as may be prescribed 
to him by the professors. In the first year, every student 
shall be obliged to produce a written composition on 
such subjects, at least once in every month ; in the second 
year, once in three weeks; in the third year, once in two 
weeks. Once a month each student shall (also commit 
to memory a piece of liis own composition, and pro- 
nounce it in public, before the professors and students. 

Sect . 5. Every student shall not only preserve an 
exemplary moral character, but shall be expected to 
treat his teachers w ith the greatest deference and re? 
spect, and all other persons with civility. 

Sect. 6. Every student shall yield a prompt and 
xeady obedience to ail the lawful requisitions of the pro- 
fessors and directors. 

Sect . 7. Diligence and industry in study shall be 
considered as indispensable in every student, unless the 
want of health shall prevent, of which the professors 
shall take cognizance, and make the suitable allowance. 

Sect . 8. Strict temperance in meat and drink is ex- 
pected of every student, with cleanliness and neatness in 


his dress and habits; while all excessive expense in 
cloathing is strictly prohibited. 

Sect, 9. Every student, before he takes his standing 
in the Seminary, shall subscribe the following declara- 
tion, viz.—' « Deeply impressed with a sense of the im- 
portance of improving in knowledge, prudence, and 
piety, in my preparation for the Gospel Ministry, I 
solemnly promise, in a reliance on divine grace, that I 
will faithfully and diligently attend on all the instruG 
tions of this Seminary, and that I will conscientiously 
and vigilantly observe all the rules and regulations spe* 
citled in Uie plan for its instruction and government, so 
far as the same relate to the students; and that I will 
obey all the lawful requisitions, and readily yield to all 
the wholesome admonitions of the professors and direc- 
tors of the Seminary, while I shall continue a member 
of it ” 

Sect. 10. There shall be two vacations in the Semi- 
nary, of six weeks continuance each, in every year, to 
commence at such times as the Board of Directors may 
deem most expedient. 



ARTICLE VII.* 

Of the Library. 

Section I. To obtain, ultimately, a complete theolo* 
gical Library, shall be considered as a leading object of 
the Institution. 

* This article is laid over for the consideration of a future As- 
sembly. 


21 


Sect . 2. It shall he the duty cf the directors to pre- 
sent to the General Assembly, a catalogue of the most 
necessary books for the commencement of a library, and 
recommend the purchase of such a number as the state 
of the funds will permit. 

Sect. 3. It shall be the duty of the professors to pro- 
cure and keep a large folio, to be denominated, The 
Frospectus of a Catalogue of a Theological Library . 
In this folio, divided into proper heads, each professor 
shall, at his pleasure, enter, in its proper place, the title 
of such books as he shall deliberately judge to be proper 
for the library. The board of directors, or the mem- 
bers of it individually, may do the same. From this 
folio it shall be the duty of the directors to select such 
books as they think most necessary, and as the sum 
appropriated for the current year will purchase, and 
recommend their purchase to the Assembly. The As- 
sembly shall, annually, decide by vote, what sum of 
money, for the current year, shall be laid out in the 
purchase of books. 

Sect. 4. A suitable room or apartment shall be as- 
signed for the library. The shelves for the books shall 
be divided into compartments or alcoves ; and if any 
one of them be filled, or nearly so, by a donor, his name 
shall be conspicuously placed over it. 

Sect. 5. A librarian shall be appointed by the As- 
sembly. 

Sect. 6. No book shall be permitted, on any occasion, 
to be carried from the Seminary. 

Sect. 7. A book of donations shall be carefully kept 
by the librarian, in which shall be entered, by him, the 
books given to the library, the time when, and the name 
of the donor. 

Sect. 8. Regulations for the use of the library, not 
Inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, shall be 
detailed in a system of by-laws, for that purpose : to be 


22 


draughted by the first librarian, and occasionally modi- 
fied and added to, as circumstances shall require, by his 
successors j which regulations, after being ratified by the 
board of directors, shall be authoritative. 


ARTICLE VIII. 

Of the Funds . 

Section 1. The funds of the Institution shall be kept, 
at all times, entirely distinct and separate from all other 
monies or funds whatsoever ; and they shall be deposi- 
ted in the hands of such corporation, or disposed of for 
safe keeping and improvement, in such other manner, as 
the General Assembly shall direct. 

Sect. 2. The board of directors shall, from time to 
time, as th$y may see proper, lay before the Assembly 
plans for the improvement of the funds, and propositions 
for the appropriation of such sums as they may think 
necessary for particular purposes. 

Sect. 3. No money shall, at any time, be drawn from 
the funds, but by an appropriation and order of the 
Assemby for the purpose. 

Sect. 4. A fair statement shall annually be laid be* 
fore the Assembly, by the proper officer, of the amount 
of the funds belonging to the Seminary, of the items 
which constitute that amount, and of the expenditures, 
ijn detail for the preceding year. 

Sect . 5. The intention and directions of testators or 
donors, in regard to monies or other property left or 
given to the Seminary, shall, at all times, be sacredly re- 
garded. And if any individual, or any number of tndi- 


fs-yv ' K x 

Viduals, not greater than three, shall by will, or daring 
his or their lives, found or endow a professorship or pro- 
fessorships, a scholarship or scholarships, or a fund or 
funds, destined to special purposes, said professorships, 
scholarships, or funds, shall for ever afterwards be called 
and known by the name or names of those who founded 
or endowed them. 

Sect. 6. After supporting the professors, and defray- 
ing the other necessary charges of the Seminary, the 
funds shall be applied, as far as circumstances will ad- 
mit, to defray or diminish the expenses of those students 
who may need pecuniary aid, as well as to lessen, gene^ 
rally, the expense of a residence at the Seminary. 








LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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